Bishop takes heat for unusual ceremony

A bishop in the US has is facing criticism after a video appeared of him laying on top of two men as part of an unusual consecration ceremony.

Bishop Wayne T Jackson, of Impact Ministries, says the ritual has been taken out of context and is nothing more than a covering of prayer.

The video appeared on YouTube and provoked accusations of sexual perversion, according to the Detroit News.

In it, Bishop Jackson appears dressed in red and white robes as lays face down on top of the two men, who are shrouded in robes on the floor.

The bishop says there was nothing sexual about the act and that people who think otherwise have "nasty minds".

The father of nine told The News: "I have done nothing wrong. This was done in front of a thousand people."

The Reverend Horace Sheffield III, of New Destiny Baptist Church in Detroit, criticised the ritual during his radio show on WCHB-1200 AM.

"If I were Wayne T Jackson, I would find another way to ordain bishops in the future," he said.

According to the Detroit News, Bishop Jackson is seeking legal advice about having the video removed from YouTube.

News
Police appeal for witnesses after head smashed off Jesus statue at church war memorial
Police appeal for witnesses after head smashed off Jesus statue at church war memorial

Officers have released a CCTV image after a war memorial at St Alban’s Church in Warrington was vandalised and daubed with offensive graffiti.

Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds

A new study suggests that Americans who believe in God while placing strong trust in science and reason may be more likely to believe in ghosts, curses and other supernatural phenomena.

Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey
Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey

Archaeologists believe they may have finally discovered the identity of a skeleton buried in a Roman sarcophagus in Westminster Abbey.

Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds
Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds

New research reveals a significant divide between church leaders’ recognition of the need for responsible AI practices and the measures currently in place within their congregations.